https://www.tc.columbia.edu/policylibrary/diversity-and-community-affairs/129b-rights/

Student Bill of Rights for Victims-Survivors of Gender Based Violence

Owner: Diversity & Community Affairs

Student Bill of Rights for Victims/Survivors of Gender Based Violence (including Sexual Assault, Domestic or Dating Violence and/or Stalking)

All students have the right to

1. Make a report to local law enforcement and/or state police;
2. Have disclosures of domestic violence, dating violence, stalking, and sexual assault treated seriously;
3. Make a decision whether or not to disclose a crime or violation and participate in the judicial/conduct process and/or criminal justice process free from pressure by institution;
4. Participate in a process that is fair, impartial, and provides adequate notice and a meaningful opportunity to be heard;
5. Be treated with dignity and to receive from the institution courteous, fair, and respectful health care and counseling services, where available;
6. Be free from any suggestion that the reporting individual is at fault when these crimes and violations are committed, or should have acted in a different manner to avoid such crimes or violations;
7. Describe the incident to as few institutional representatives as practicable and not be required to unnecessarily repeat a description of the incident;
8. Be protected from retaliation by the institution, any student, the accused and/or the respondent, and/or their friends, family and acquaintances within the jurisdiction of the institution;
9. Access to at least one level of appeal of a determination;
10. Be accompanied by an advisor of choice who may assist and advise a reporting individual, accused, or respondent throughout the judicial or conduct process including during all meetings and hearings related to such process; and
11. Exercise civil rights and practice of religion without interference by the investigative, criminal justice, or judicial or conduct process of the institution.

This Student Bill of Rights was established by New York State Education Law Article 129-B, which goes into effect on October 7, 2015.   For more information about preventing and addressing sexual assault, domestic violence, dating violence, and stalking, at Teachers College and Columbia University, see www.tc.edu/titleix or sexualrespect.columbia.edu. These sites include information about filing a report, seeking a response and options for confidential disclosure. 

Responsible Office: Diversity and Community Affairs